45 COUNTRY UPDATE: KUWAIT
WE AIM TO ROLL OUT THE ENTIRE PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS UNDER HILTON WORLDWIDE FROM THE LUXURY WALDORF ASTORIA AND CONRAD TO MID-MARKET OPTIONS LIKE HILTON GARDEN INN
The InterContinental Hotel Kuwait is one of the five-star hotels planned to open in Kuwait. “Business tourism remains the most exciting segment to invest in,” says Hilton Worldwide Middle East senior director of development, Carlos Khneisser. “The country has a constant stream of corporate travellers due to the many infrastructural and industrial developments
taking place. This has fuelled rising demand for hotels and transportation options.” Business tourism remains the primary focus of Kuwait’s 20-year tourism plan and has therefore attracted many of the luxury fivestar hotel brands. Competition at the top of the luxury scale is predictably fierce and many hotel groups are differentiating their products into new areas.
LUXURY BRAND DEMAND This year sees the opening of Rezidor’s latest luxury offering, Hotel Missoni. This designer brand aims to differentiate itself from Kuwait’s
luxury hotel scene by marketing to the growing lifestyle sector of the hospitality market. “There are a number of strong international brands operating in Kuwait but we believe that Hotel Missoni is a unique product in the market,” explains Rezidor Hotel Group area vice president, Marko Hytonen. “It’s a lifestyle brand with a strong designer luxury element. In a region famed for its love of fashion and high-end designer brands, we anticipate strong interest in Hotel Missoni Kuwait.” Strong branding is essential for luxury hoteliers looking to differentiate their product in the Kuwaiti
Carlos Khneisser , senior director of development, Hilton Worldwide Middle East.
FORECASTING KUWAIT’S ARRIVALS: 2010-2013 Year
’000 people
2010
166.4
2011
178.7
2012
191.1
2013
205.0
Source: Euromonitor International
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Hotelier Middle East • June 2010